Do you ever have thoughts of “does my life matter? Am I impacting anyone? Maybe it’s just the human condition or the fact that we live in a world obsessing over fame, and the number of followers on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms. It may be our human nature and the desire to be relevant in a world filled with angst. I often forget about the power of one: one smile, one acknowledgment, one listening ear.
My friend Ann shares the story of one woman, one smile on one desperate day. The one who made a difference in lifting her spirit on a day of extreme sadness. Here is an excerpt from her story.
Ode to the Postal Worker ~ Spring 2013
It was the first day of chemotherapy for my husband.
It was a “dark day” for me. After getting him settled into the doctor’s office for his 4-hour treatment, I ran some errands. My first stop was at the post office.
Inside, there were about eight window clerks and a long line of patrons waiting their turn for the next available agent. Waiting, I noticed the female clerk stationed at the far right window had the most radiant smile. On that day, I NEEDED that smile. I needed to be standing in front of her to receive her positive light personally, her glow, energy, silent encouragement, and hope.
I waited in line with people both before me and behind me. As the line moved forward, I allowed the customers behind me to move forward until I was next in line for her window.
I completed my transaction, and her quiet, joyous smile bolstered my spirit. Without her awareness, she gave me a gift, the strength to go forward.
After my husband died, I remembered that day. I wrote her a letter of gratitude. I wanted her to know what she had willingly but unknowingly given to me that dark day. She was my little Angel, to be sure, and no doubt is an angel to many others who come to her window!
I wanted to acknowledge the gift of her smile, freely given and freely received, love being love.
Reflecting the Light of Jesus
Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Every day, we have the privilege of reflecting the light of Jesus. Although it is lovely to know our life has touched another person, the real issue is letting the life, love, and light of Jesus flow through us; to be one in Him as He is one with the Father. Jesus said He came to do the will of the Father (John 6:38) and that His life reflects His Father in heaven. We have the incredible privilege of mirroring the life of Jesus when we surrender our life to Him.
We all can be someone’s angel; to help heal broken hearts, hidden hurt, to ease another’s burdens and lift spirits on a tough day by a simple gesture of kindness, a word, or a smile.
Blessings,
Personal Parables is the blog of Dyann Shepard. Get Dyann’s complementary study in Proverbs and prayer guide, What to Do When You Don’t Feel Good Enough. If you need encouragement to remember the truth about yourself in times of doubt and anxiety, this free 5-day study is for you. Follow Dyann and Personal Parables on Instagram and Facebook. Dyann is available for speaking, guest blogging, and article writing.
Personal Parable Practices
- Can you remember when someone’s simple act of kindness made a difference in your life?
- What can you do today to make a friend or stranger feel noticed and important?
- When God puts someone on your heart will you call them or drop them a note today?
Will You Pray with Me?
Loving Father, Thank you for reminding me that sometimes the simplest act can make the difference in another person’s day. A smile, a greeting, a phone call that reminds them they are not alone. They are known and noticed. Give me opportunities today to reflect your love and to give your love generously without expecting anything in return. In your name and for your glory. Amen.
Scripture for Meditation
John 6:38 – For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
John 15:10 – If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
John 17:25-26 – O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.
Music for Reflection
